If you’re helping care for an aging parent in Owings Mills or greater Baltimore, chances are you’ve felt the overwhelm of keeping up with their medications.
One for blood pressure. One for cholesterol. Another for diabetes. A vitamin here, a supplement there. Before you know it, your loved one is juggling 5 to 10 pills a day—and you’re juggling anxiety.
It’s not just a personal worry. According to the National Institute on Aging, 4 out of 10 older adults take five or more prescription drugs daily. The more medications a person takes, the higher the risk of side effects, drug interactions, or even dangerous medication errors.
That’s why “Check Your Meds” isn’t just good advice—it’s a necessary habit.
At Abic Healthcare Services, based right here in Owings Mills, Baltimore, we’ve seen first-hand how unchecked medication use can spiral into hospitalizations, falls, memory loss, and caregiver burnout. That’s why we’re raising awareness and offering local support to families managing the complex care of their aging loved ones.
Let’s talk about how you can help your parent stay safe, avoid unnecessary medications, and maybe even simplify their regimen.
Why Medication Safety Matters More for Seniors in Baltimore
Baltimore has one of the highest populations of older adults in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Aging, nearly 1 in 5 residents of Baltimore County is over the age of 60—and many of them live with chronic conditions that require daily medications.
But here’s what often gets overlooked:
- More medications = more risk.
- Confusion is common. Many seniors forget doses, accidentally double up, or misunderstand instructions.
- Side effects may mimic other health issues. A medication could cause dizziness that gets mistaken for aging—or leads to a fall.
- Baltimore caregivers are stretched thin. You’re likely balancing your job, your own family, and your parent’s needs.
In fact, a 2023 local caregiver survey found that 68% of adult children in Baltimore provide some form of medication support to their parents—but only 22% feel confident doing it correctly.
Real Talk: When Meds Go Wrong
Let’s paint a real picture.
Mrs. Adisa, a 75-year-old widow living in Pikesville, was recently discharged from a local hospital with four new prescriptions added to her already long list. Her daughter, Kemi, works full-time and wasn’t able to accompany her to all her appointments. No one reviewed the entire list of medications (new and old) together.
A few weeks later, Mrs. Adisa collapsed at home. She was dizzy, disoriented, and dehydrated. Turns out, one of the new meds was interacting with her blood pressure pill, lowering it too far.
That’s the danger of not checking the full medication picture.
The Solution: “Check Your Meds” Routine
You don’t have to be a doctor or pharmacist to protect your parent. Here’s what you can do:
1. Review Medications Regularly
At least once every 6 months (or after any hospital visit) sit down and go over every pill with a doctor, nurse, or home care provider.
Include:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Supplements or herbs
Baltimore Tip: Bring all medications to the next primary care visit in a bag. This is called a “brown bag review.”
2. Ask About Deprescribing
Some medications may no longer be needed. Others can be reduced or replaced with safer options. A 2019 Johns Hopkins study found that nearly 1 in 4 seniors in Maryland are prescribed unnecessary medications.
Encourage your parent’s healthcare provider to ask:
“Is this medication still needed?”
“Is there a safer or simpler alternative?”
3. Watch for Red Flags
Stay alert for signs like:
- Sudden fatigue
- New confusion
- Unexplained dizziness or falls
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
These could be side effects, not aging.
4. Organize Smartly
Use a weekly pill organizer, medication chart, or even apps like MediSafe to help manage dosing.
At Abic Healthcare Services, we help families in Owings Mills set up simple systems for safe medication management, even when adult children live far away.
What Makes Medication Safety Challenging in Baltimore Families
In many African and Caribbean households (which make up a significant portion of the population in Northwest Baltimore County), elder care is a family responsibility. But:
- Not everyone lives nearby.
- Some elders see multiple doctors who may not share records.
- Language, literacy, or trust barriers may lead to miscommunication about meds.
That’s where Abic’s culturally aware, in-home care team can step in, to coordinate care, simplify medication routines, and communicate with local providers.
Check Your Meds… and Check In
Medication safety isn’t just about the meds. It’s about what the meds are trying to manage, your parent’s well-being. It’s about noticing the shifts, asking the right questions, and staying involved even when life gets busy.
Here are 3 simple ways to start:
- Ask your parent: “Do any of these meds make you feel funny?”
- Call their doctor: “Can we schedule a med review?”
- Reach out to Abic Healthcare Services: “Can someone help us organize all this?”
Let’s Keep Baltimore’s Elders Safer, Together.
Owings Mills is home to vibrant, loving families, and we know caring for aging parents is a labor of love. But love shouldn’t come with guesswork. Medication errors are preventable.
Let’s prevent them, together.
At Abic Healthcare Services, we specialize in homecare support, medication assistance, and family education for Baltimore’s seniors. Whether your parent needs help with daily medication reminders, appointment coordination, or simply someone to check in on them, we’re here to help.
Take Action Today: 5-Minute Medication Safety Checklist
✅ Gather all medications (including supplements)
✅ Make a list with doses and timing
✅ Ask your parent how they feel on each one
✅ Schedule a medication review with a provider
✅ Call Abic Healthcare Services if you need a care partner
Your parent deserves clarity, comfort, and safety. And you deserve peace of mind.
Ready to “Check Your Meds” together?
📞 Call Abic Healthcare Services today.
